Last Updated: January 26, 2021
Hamsters are great pets, in no small part because of how affordable they are to own. However, they can still cost you a pretty penny up front, especially if you have to buy all the gear at once.
Luckily, there are a few ways in which you can save some money, and perhaps the best way to stretch your hamster budget is by creating your own bin cage. These are often made from basic plastic storage bins, but as you’ll soon discover, you can class them up a bit more as well, provided you’re willing to put in the work.
We’ve collected some of our favorite designs for you to check out, and you’re sure to find one that’s perfect for both you and your furry friend from the options below. Figuring out how to build a hamster bin cage is simpler than ever with these foolproof plans!
Before we begin, though, it’s important to remind you that you absolutely have to include holes of some kind in your bin (that’s what the mesh is for). Otherwise, your hamster could suffocate, and that’s clearly not a good thing.
1. Wood Cage from HamsterHideout.com
This classy cage from HamsterHideout.com gives you a clear view of your hamster at all times, so you can always have a steady stream of entertainment close by.
It’s very large, but that just gives your pet more room to wander. And, given how beautiful this thing looks, it can function as a decoration just as much as a pet sanctuary.
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Skills Needed: Moderate woodworking skills
- Wood
- Wire mesh
- Plexiglass
- Locking latch
- Glue
- Screws
- Drill
- Chop saw
2. DIY Bin Cage from HamsterGuru.com
Courtesy of HamsterGuru.com, we have this inexpensive and easy-to-build plastic cage that gives your little rodent plenty of room to play.
All you need is a large plastic bin (you probably have several lying around the house right now, as a matter of fact), a few other odds and ends, and a little bit of time to build your hamster his dream home.
Difficulty Level: Beginner
Skills Needed: Beginner crafts skills
- Large plastic bin
- Wire mesh
- Zip ties
- Drill
- Scissors
3. Hamster Cage from nolieclaire
Youtube hamster guru nolieclaire suggests this clever and colorful option. It uses a lid with locking handles, which makes securing the top easier to do and doesn’t require drilling.
However, it does require you to be extra-sure that you closed it securely every time.
Difficulty Level: Beginner
Skills Needed: Beginner crafts skills
- Plastic bin
- Mesh
- Box cutter
- Duct tape
- Zip ties
4. Stackable Cage by HamsterHideout.com
You can accommodate multiple pets with this stackable model, or if you’re really determined, you could give your hamster a giant, multi-level mansion to live in.
The basic design is the same as just about any other bin cage, except you’re stacking them vertically and putting the mesh door on the side instead of the roof.
Difficulty Level: Beginner
Skills Needed: Beginner crafts skill
- Multiple plastic bins
- Box cutter
- Mesh
- Cable ties
5. Interconnected Bins by HammyHappenings
This extremely fun, multi-level enclosure is the creation of HammyHappenings, a hamster enthusiast on WordPress. The general structure is still basic and easy to build, but there’s a lot more decoration involved with this one, making it a colorful addition to any room of your home.
We’re especially big fans of the tubes connecting the two levels — and we bet your hamster will be, too. Find out how to build a hamster bin cage with many levels today!
Difficulty Level: Beginner
Skills Needed: Basic crafts skill
- Multiple plastic bins
- Box cutter
- Mesh
- Plastic tubing
- Cable ties
- Decorations (as desired)
6. DIY Three-Story House by consumerqueen
This triple-story model from consumerqueen gives your pet plenty of room to explore, as well as providing you with the ability to give every level a specific purpose.
One floor can be dedicated to his bedding, while another is his exercise room, and the final one can be his dining room. We bet we know which room he’ll spend the most time in.
Difficulty Level: Beginner
Skills Needed: Beginner crafts skills
- Three plastic bins
- Box cutter
- Drill
- Mesh
- Cable ties
7. Double Decker Cage by Hammy Time
From Hammy Time, we have this attractive two-story model that gives your hamster plenty of places to peek out — and plenty of opportunities for you to grab him when it’s snuggle time.
This design gives your furry friend lots of room to stretch out without also taking up a ton of space in your house.
Difficulty Level: Beginner
Skills Needed: Beginner crafts skills
- Two plastic bins
- Mesh
- Screws
- Washers
- Drill
- Box cutter
8. Bin Cage by morganel
This bin (courtesy of user morganel on hamsterhideout.com) manages to be both simple and elaborate at the same time.
It’s made using only a single bin, but you can dress it up with multiple mesh portholes to make it both attractive and interesting to your hamster (not to mention guests).
Difficulty Level: Beginner
Skills Needed: Beginner crafts skills
- Plastic bin
- Wire mesh
- Box cutter
- Cable ties
9. Extended Bin by Dog Paw Blog
This extra-long model from Dog Paw Blog will give your hamster all the room in the world to run around (or at least, it will seem that way to him).
This is a massive bin to be sure, but if you’re willing to let your pet have all the space he wants, it’s a fantastic option. Plus, it’s ridiculously easy to make.
Difficulty Level: Beginner
Skills Needed: Beginner crafts skills
- Long plastic bin
- Drill
- Cable ties
- Mesh
10. Leopard Print by Lindsey Parker
This exotic cage, courtesy of Pinterest user Lindsey Parker, is incredibly basic and easy to build, but you’d never guess it from the fierce design.
It’s amazing how a little leopard print can really dress up the place, huh?
Difficulty Level: Beginner
Skills Needed: Beginner crafts skills
- Plastic bin
- Mesh
- Cable ties
- Leopard print fabric
- Box cutter
Building the Perfect Bin for Your Hamster
As you can see, most of the above bins follow the same basic formula. Take a bin (or build your own, if you want something other than plastic), cut some holes in it so you can fit the mesh inside, and decorate to your liking.
While the formula may be basic, it allows for nearly infinite customization. You can stack as many as your ceilings will allow, connect them with tubing, and decorate them to your heart’s desire.
Best of all, even the most elaborate bin won’t cost more than a few bucks. So, if you haven’t already made one for your hamster, what are you waiting for?
Featured Image: Zdeněk Chalupský from Pixabay
An avid animal lover, Roland started this blog to help all varieties of pets and their owners on their journey to living their best lives.
Contents
- 1. Wood Cage from HamsterHideout.com
- 2. DIY Bin Cage from HamsterGuru.com
- 3. Hamster Cage from nolieclaire
- 4. Stackable Cage by HamsterHideout.com
- 5. Interconnected Bins by HammyHappenings
- 6. DIY Three-Story House by consumerqueen
- 7. Double Decker Cage by Hammy Time
- 8. Bin Cage by morganel
- 9. Extended Bin by Dog Paw Blog
- 10. Leopard Print by Lindsey Parker
- Building the Perfect Bin for Your Hamster